Dressage flexion and extension training device and method

ABSTRACT

An efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method for training equestrian riders, and more particularly the present invention relates to a device and method for training an equestrian rider proper hip and elbow flexion and extension to remain more harmonious and influential while mounted in dressage style riding.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a training device and method for dressage equestrian riding. The dressage rider must learn to keep the seat on the horse's back in order to be more connected to the horse's back. This is accomplished by raising and dropping the thigh (hip flexion and extension), rather than griping or squeezing the leg, in an attempt to hold on to the horse.

Along with the riders' hip action, the riders' arms must also be trained so the contact between the riders' hand and the horse's mouth through the reins remains steady and smooth.

The resulting effect leaves the leg and hand more independent, from the riders' torso, enabling clearer and more harmonious communication with the horse. This, coupled with the horse's comfort and freedom, will enable the horse to do his job more efficiently. To summarize, the horse and rider become more connected and are working as one.

The invention gives the rider practical riding tools in an inexpensive, safe and time efficient manner. Prior products and methods are performed while the rider is mounted on horseback. These products and methods do not permit the trainer to physically place his hands on the rider to aid the rider in understanding necessary principals and concepts.

The invention is a time-efficient way for the rider to gain “time in the saddle” at home in a 20 minute period of time, rather than the 2 to 3 hours it takes to drive to the barn, tack and ride the horse, then the cool down and aftercare making the invention a very economical and valuable tool to supplement a rider's riding program.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the general object of the invention described herein, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

-   -   a) The present invention is a device and program to teach         dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension to         remain in harmonious and influential motion while mounted.     -   b) The ball can be shaped in an oblong shape such that it         possesses a shape that simulates a horse's back.     -   c) An embodiment of the present invention is an oblong         inflatable ball with adjustable block attachments. The block         attachments are placed on the ball in front of the rider's         thigh, so that it simulates a dressage saddle.     -   d) The ball may be constructed in whole or in part of rubber or         any other similar material known to those of ordinary skill in         the art.     -   e) The ball may be inflatable or non-inflatable.     -   f) The adjustable blocks may be constructed in whole or in part         of foam, rubber or plastic or any other similar material known         to those of ordinary skill in the art.     -   g) The adjustable blocks may be attached to the ball by Velcro         or any other similar connecting material known to those of         ordinary skill in the art.     -   h) Another embodiment of the present invention contains reins.         The reins are connected in such a fashion to simulate the reins         that a rider will encounter on an actual horse.     -   i) Another embodiment of the present invention would be to         include stirrups. The stirrups are connected in such a fashion         as to simulate actual stirrups on a horse, and may take the form         of actual stirrups attached to the ball or simply be a block         placed on the ground underneath the rider's foot.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawing.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, an efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider.

DRAWINGS Figures

The above and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention with a rider utilizing block stirrups and thigh blocks;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with a rider utilizing reins and thigh blocks;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention with a rider;

FIG. 4 is a close up front view of an embodiment of the present invention utilizing the adjustable thigh blocks;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention containing withers and placement for a saddle.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention displaying a shape suited for an advanced rider;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention displaying a shape suited for the beginner riders;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention displaying a shape suited for the intermediate riders;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an equestrian training device (11) that resembles an oblong ball. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the training device (11) is inflatable and my be constructed in whole or in part of one of, or a combination of rubber, foam or any other material known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiment of the invention includes a base (12) and a rounded smooth surface on the upper outside portion of the training device (11) so as to permit a rider (13) to sit upon the top (14) of the training device (11).

To better simulate dressage riding equipment, the training device (11) is fitted with adjustable thigh blocks (15). The thigh blocks (15) may be constructed of foam or a similar material and are adjustable utilizing a fastening mechanism (16) such as Velcro.

Stirrup blocks (17) may also be added to better simulate riding equipment.

FIG. 2 shows the side view of the training device (11) with a rider (13) holding reins (18) and the adjustable thigh blocks (15).

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the training device (10) displaying the rounded bottom portion (12) and rider (13) positioned on the top portion (14).

FIG. 4 displays a detailed view of the adjustable thigh block (15) secured to the training device (11) by means of a Velcro attachment strip (16) limiting the movement of the thing of the rider (13).

FIG. 5 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention (1) displaying the upper portion (14) with an area to place a saddle (20). As further displayed in this embodiment, the training device (11) may be further shaped to emulate the shape of the back of a horse, including the narrow area (20) with ers in front (21).

In FIGS. 6-8 it is contemplated that the training device (11) can be purchased in varying shapes. The shape of the training device (11) can be purchased for advanced riders to allow the minimal amount of contact between the base (12) and ground as displayed in FIG. 6.

The training device (11) can be purchased for beginner riders by permitting a large area of the base (12) to contact the ground as displayed in FIG. 7.

The training device (11) can be purchased for intermediate riders by permitting an average area of the base (12) to contact the ground as displayed in FIG. 8.

These altered shapes can assist the riders depending on their level of ability, whether it be for an experienced rider (FIG. 6), beginning rider (FIG. 7) or intermediate rider (FIG. 9).

It is also anticipated that the training device (11) can be inflated with air which shape can be varied by adjusting air pressure inside the device (11). 

1. A device for training a dressage rider or for a similar equestrian rider proper hip and elbow flexion and extension to remain in harmonious and influential motion while mounted, said device comprising: A flexible ball, said ball constructed in whole or in part of a rubber or similar material or a combination thereof, said ball shaped in a round or oblong shape or similar shape emulating the back of a horse, said ball may be non-inflatable or inflatable; said ball containing an upper portion for receiving a rider and a lower portion for contacting the ground, said ball containing an attachment means to receive blocks located on opposing sides of said ball; said attachment means constructed of Velcro or other similar connecting material; said ball containing blocks to contact the upper portion of the rider's thighs to emulate a dressage saddle; said blocks attached to said ball by an attachment means such as Velcro or similar connecting material; said blocks constructed in whole or in part of foam, rubber or plastic or similar material.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising reins; Said reins simulating the reins encountered by the rider on an actual horse.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising stirrups; Said stirrups simulating the stirrups encountered by the rider on an actual horse; Said stirrups constructed similar to stirrups found on an actual riding saddle or, alternatively, constructed in the form of blocks placed on the ground underneath the rider's foot.
 4. The device of claim 1, designed for riders of varying abilities, wherein the shape of the device is adjusted to permit the maximum amount of contact between the bottom surface of the ball with the ground for beginner riders, an average amount of contact for average riders and a minimal amount of contact for advanced riders.
 5. A method of equestrian training for a rider to maintain proper hip and elbow flexion and extension for dressage riding having an rounded ball, stirrups, thigh blocks, and reins, said method comprising the steps of: positioning the rider upon the top of the ball with the rider properly holding the rein's and the rider's legs properly positioned with the thigh blocks and stirrups; observing the rider and ball; adjusting the ball shape, thigh blocks, stirrups and reins to allow for variations in proper rider position and variations between the rider and the device; further observing the rider and training device to ensure rider maintains the proper hip and elbow flexion and extension to remain in harmonious and influential motion while mounted. 